NUMBER FOUR (4-6)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) The Number 4 represents creation, which marks God’s creative works. It is the signature of the world. The material creation was finished on the 4th day — with the sun, moon and stars ordained for 4 things: Signs, Seasons, Days and Years. It is interesting to note what other mention(s) for 4 can be found in the Bible.
1. How does the number 4 symbolize the death of Christ?
a) The death and life of Christ are set forth by a four-fold type and record. His death. The four great offerings (Psalm 40:6).*
i) "Sacrifice [peace offering], and offering [meal offering], Thou wouldest not:
ii) Mine ears hast Thou opened.
i) Burnt offering and sin offering hast Thou not required.
ii) Then said I, Lo, I come," etc.
* Here the alternate structure shows that "ii" and "ii" relate to the obedience of Christ as the fifth great offering to which the four pointed.
b) In the four Gospels we have the record of His life and obedience unto death. These are divided into 3 + 1, the three being similar, and hence called "Synoptic"; while the fourth stands out alone, written after the Churches had all failed, and presenting Christ not merely as offered and rejected by Israel, but as the one and only center of union and unity after His rejection, and in the midst of all the failure, confusion, and corruption.
The End ...
0. Introductiona) The Number 4 represents creation, which marks God’s creative works. It is the signature of the world. The material creation was finished on the 4th day — with the sun, moon and stars ordained for 4 things: Signs, Seasons, Days and Years. It is interesting to note what other mention(s) for 4 can be found in the Bible.
1. How does the number 4 symbolize the death of Christ?
a) The death and life of Christ are set forth by a four-fold type and record. His death. The four great offerings (Psalm 40:6).*
i) "Sacrifice [peace offering], and offering [meal offering], Thou wouldest not:
ii) Mine ears hast Thou opened.
i) Burnt offering and sin offering hast Thou not required.
ii) Then said I, Lo, I come," etc.
* Here the alternate structure shows that "ii" and "ii" relate to the obedience of Christ as the fifth great offering to which the four pointed.
b) In the four Gospels we have the record of His life and obedience unto death. These are divided into 3 + 1, the three being similar, and hence called "Synoptic"; while the fourth stands out alone, written after the Churches had all failed, and presenting Christ not merely as offered and rejected by Israel, but as the one and only center of union and unity after His rejection, and in the midst of all the failure, confusion, and corruption.
The End ...
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